'True literary comic genius' -- Sunday Express 'This is Fforde's first book for children and as ever he is terrifically inventive and this is full of fun' -- Daily Telegraph 'Jasper Fforde has one of those effervescent imaginations that never throws in one joke when he can fit in two or three ... he created his mad but logical parallel version of the Welsh marches with loving detail' -- Independent 'This is a lively, witty and entertaining tale for older children who still like making silly faces.' -- Philip Womack, Literary Review 'Highly recommended. Very funny' -- Independent '[Fforde's] ripping yarn of magic in decline mashes up the usual spells-and-beasts motif with a satire on corporate cash and tabloid values.' -- i

Jasper Fforde traded a varied career in the film industry for staring out of the window and chewing the end of a pencil. He lives and works in Wales and has a passion for aviation.